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Oral Biofilm Analysis of Palatal Expanders by Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2011
A transmission electron microscopy study of supragingival calculus
P N Galgut1, N Mordan, H N Newman
1Electron Microscopy Unit, Department of Periodontology and Clinical Research Centre, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, London, UK. pgalgut@periodontal.co.uk
Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology
|April 2, 2003
Summary
Human dental calculus is a complex material, not just mineralized plaque. Its calcification process and relationship with dental plaque are intricate and variable, requiring further research.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Dental calculus formation is a complex process.
- The precise role of dental plaque in calculus mineralization remains unclear.
- Understanding calculus ultrastructure is key to oral health research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructure of human dental calculus using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- To clarify the calcification process within dental calculus.
- To determine the role of dental plaque in calculus formation.
Main Methods:
- Human supragingival calculus samples were collected from 10 patients.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed for ultrastructural analysis.
- Samples were processed for detailed microscopic examination.
Main Results:
- Dental calculus and plaque within calculus are heterogeneous structures.
- A distinct, though variable, interface exists between calculus and dental plaque.
- Calcification occurred independently of dental plaque in some areas, and bacterial calcification varied.
Conclusions:
- Supragingival calculus is a complex, heterogeneous material, not merely mineralized plaque.
- The exact role of dental plaque in calculus mineralization is not fully elucidated.
- Mineralizing dental calculus and maturing dental plaque are distinct, simultaneous processes with high variability.
